RFID tag assembly and method of managing a race

ABSTRACT

A race management system which includes an RFID tag located between an inner and outer layer and is removably secured to a participant&#39;s bib through a mounting film. The inner layer is secured to a second inner layer having at least one fold line and an adhesive portion outward of the at least one fold line. The RFID tag is secured around a portion of the participant&#39;s shoe and is activated by at least one antenna to transmit identification data encoded on the tag. The encoded data corresponds to indicia printed on the bib and allows automatic collection of running times.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/136,805 filed Jun. 11, 2008, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates generally to a customizable RFID tag, race management system, and a method of managing a race. More particularly, the invention relates to an RFID tag that is attached to a bib and removable to secure the RFID tag to a race participant as well as coordinate user specific race, identification, and health information. Specifically, the invention relates to an embedded RFID tag which is secured to a bib and removed by the participant to secure around his/her shoelaces in order to provide participant start/stop times, medications, allergies, and other relevant medical information as well as relate the participant's race number to the participant's RFID tag.

2. Background Information

Race organizers have traditionally struggled to coordinate runners with their assigned running numbers due to the potentially large number of competitors. When competitors register for the race, they are generally assigned a bib with a number that can be affixed to their shirt. The number is associated with the runner's name, address, and medical information which may be maintained in a database. In well known races such as the Boston Marathon, more than 20,000 runners participate and the organizers are forced to write down the finishing time of each runner as he or she crosses the finish line. Thus, the industry is constantly in search of improvements that can reduce the number of organizers required to monitor the finish line and increase the efficiency of the finish line timing.

Once a race begins, there is generally only one official timer, meaning the runners who are 20,000 people behind the starting line are at a severe disadvantage since they must wait for all of the runners in front of them to begin running and cross the start line before they can begin the race. The runners not only have to travel a further distance, but also suffer from additional time being included in their race time. Thus, the industry is constantly in search of improvements that can provide more accurate race results for each individual runner so that each runner is able to accurately gauge his or her actual performance. Further, runners have not been able to measure and compare their individual performances at various stages throughout the race.

Marathons are endurance races that require a great deal of stamina and strength to finish. Unfortunately, not all runners are mentally and physically fit enough to finish the marathon. The runners may become dehydrated and eventually pass-out or injure themselves. In order to treat the injured or dehydrated runner, the organizers have to verify any medical information listed on his or her bib. Therefore organizers lose valuable seconds ensuring that they are fully aware of any medical issues the runner may have or will not be able to verify the runner's medical history if the bib were to fall off or become unreadable.

Finally, runners tend to perspire a great deal during a marathon and may cause any information located on the bib to bleed and become unreadable. Since, as mentioned above, it is very important that organizers have access to the medical and personal information on the bib; runners have been required to use certain writing instruments or special bibs that prevent the information from being washed away. Thus there is a demonstrated need for a race management system which is capable of accurately timing each individual runner at various stages of the race, can provide information about the runner as necessary, and capable of operating in a damp environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The race management system of the present invention comprises a bib arranged to receive printed indicia, a programmable tag secured between an outer layer and an inner layer, a mounting film fixedly secured to the bib, and the inner layer is releasably secured to the mounting film. The outer and inner layers further comprise a first end and at least one fold line. The inner layer includes an adhesive layer between the first end and the at least one fold line. The inner and outer layers further include at least one second fold line defining an outer portion and the adhesive portion is fixedly secured to the outer portion in a generally round nature. The race management system further includes printed indicia on the bib corresponding to data encoded in the programmable tag. An antenna may be disposed on the course which activates the programmable tag and the programmable tag transmits the encoded data to the antenna. Further, the bib and programmable tag are separable.

The method of managing a race of the present invention comprises locating a programmable tag between an outer layer and an inner layer, securing the inner layer to a second inner layer having an adhesive portion on a first end, releasably securing the second inner layer to a mounting film, fixedly securing the mounting film to a bib, and disposing at least one antenna on a race route. The method further includes printing indicia on the bib and encoding the programmable tag with data corresponding to the printed indicia. The method also includes removing the encoded programmable tag from the bib and locating the programmable tag underneath at least one securing object. The method further includes securing the adhesive portion to a second end of the second inner layer, rotating the adhesive portion of the programmable tag below the at least one securing object, and transmitting the data to the at least one antenna.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which Applicant has contemplated applying the principles of the invention, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a front face of a preferred embodiment bib with a printed participant's number and an RFID tag removably secured;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment RFID tag removably secured to a mounting film;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment RFID tag being removed from the mounting film;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment RFID tag taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the RFID tag of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment bib with a printed participant's number and an RFID tag being removed from the bib;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment RFID tag being removed from the bib taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the back-side of a preferred embodiment RFID tag removed from the mounting film and the adhesive of the first end being exposed;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment RFID tag inserted under four laces and the adhesive strip of the first end secured to the second end;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment RFID tag being rotated so that the RFID tag is distal the laces;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a participant with a present invention RFID tag secured to the participant's shoe and being activated by an antenna; and,

FIG. 12 is a side view of a participant with a present invention bib having an RFID tag removably secured thereon and being activated by an antenna.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

The race management system of the present invention is indicated generally at bib 20, as is particularly shows in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. Bib 20 is arranged to attach to a runner or participant through holes 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D or with releasable adhesive (not shown). Bib 20 is a thin sheet and can be composed of paper, plastic, or other suitable material which is capable of being printed on. RFID tag assembly 24 is shown affixed to the front face of bib 20, but could also be affixed to the back face or any other side. The bib is further shown with indicia 25 printed on the front face.

In accordance with one of the main features of the present invention, the following should be viewed in light of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 which illustrate various views of a preferred embodiment RFID tag assembly 24. If RFID tag assembly 24 is shipped separately from bib 20, then RFID tag assembly 24 is originally removably secured to a top side of a mounting film 26 with a dry release, evaporative, or similar adhesive (described infra) until the manufacturer or participant peels the assembly upwards. Alternatively, RFID tag assembly 24 may be shipped directly attached to bib 20. In this situation, an adhesive layer must secure the RFID tag assembly to the bib, but leave a clean residual and adhesive-free surface when the assembly is removed. In this situation, the RFID tag assembly 24 tag must be removable from bib 20 while leaving a permanent adhesive layer and covering on bib 20 even once the RFID tag assembly 24 is removed.

Averting now to FIGS. 4 and 5, RFID tag assembly 24 preferably includes RFID tag 28 positioned between outer layer 30 and inner layer 32. RFID tag 28 is a typical passive radio-frequency identification device with an integrated circuit which can be encoded with data. The RFID tag does not have an internal power supply and is powered by a radio frequency emitted from an antenna (described infra). The RFID tag may then backscatter the emitted frequency to the antenna which provides the identification and encoded data of the RFID tag. While the RFID tag of the present invention has been described as a passive tag, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed to incorporate an active, semi-active, or other powered RFID tag. Further, while the present invention is described incorporating an RFID tag, any programmable tag or chip may be used and is within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Outer layer 30 and inner layer 32 are preferably composed of polypropylene or other similarly suitable water-proof material which is approximately 2.6 mils, or approximately 2.6 thousandths of an inch thick. While a thickness of 2.6 mils is preferred for the inner and outer layers, the present invention is not limited to any particular thickness for each individual component or the RFID tag assembly collectively. Adhesive layer 30A assures that layers 30 and 32 are adhered to each other and to RFID tag 28.

In accordance with another of the main features of the invention, Inner layer 32 is fixedly secured to the top side of synthetic material 34 which is generally firm and provides support while maintaining flexibility. The synthetic material is stamped with fold lines 36 and 37 across the width, or shorter side, of RFID tag assembly 24. Fold lines 36 and 37 are located approximately one-half of an inch outward of RFID tag 28. The bottom side of synthetic material 34 may include a liner (not shown) which can be removed. In a preferred embodiment, all of the liner is removed except for approximately one-half of an inch at one end. Additional layer of permanent adhesive 44 secures intermediate layer 40 to synthetic material 34 on the area from which the liner was removed. Accordingly, intermediate layer 40 encompasses the majority of the bottom surface of synthetic material 34 and is on virtually the same plane as remaining one-half inch of liner 42 located on first end 43. The dry release, evaporative, or similar adhesive 46, described supra, is merged onto intermediate layer 40 and remaining one-half inch of liner 42 to removably secure the RFID tag to mounting film 26. More particularly, and referring to FIG. 7, intermediate layer 40 includes a top layer 40A and bottom layer 40B which are split apart as RFID tag 28 is removed from bib 20.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment bib 20 with RFID tag assembly 24 being removed from bottom layer 40B of intermediate layer 40 in an upward and peeling motion in the direction indicated by arrow 48. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 6 with RFID tag assembly 24 being removed from bottom layer 40B which is in turn permanently secured to bib 20 with adhesive 46.

RFID tag assembly 24 is then applied to bib 20 which may include indicia 25 printed thereon. If the RFID tag assembly is applied to a bib that already includes indicia 25, then the RFID tag assembly will be printed and encoded with the number or data corresponding to indicia 25. If bib 20 does not include indicia 25 at this point, then the combination bib and RFID tag assembly are sent through a process which encodes the RFID tag with a number or data that corresponds to indicia that is printed on the bib during the same process.

Averting to FIG. 8, RFID tag assembly 24 is shown removed from bottom 40B of intermediate layer 40 and turned upside-down. The participant then removes liner 42 in the direction indicated by arrow 52 to expose adhesive 44. Although adhesive 44 has been described as permanent, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed to include a semi-permanent adhesive, a releasable adhesive, or a hook and loop connection which allows the RFID tag assembly to remain securely fastened to the participant during use and still be removed.

As can be seen, the applicant envisions that RFID tag assembly 24 may be shipped on attached mounting film 26 as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. If the product is shipped not attached to bib 20, then top layer 40A will have to be removed from bottom layer 40B which remains attached to mounting film 26. Alternatively, RFID tag assembly 24 may be shipped applied directly to bib 20 such that mounting film 26 exists only in the factory and is not seen by the race participant.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate RFID tag assembly 24 being secured to a participant's shoe prior to a race. After liner 42 is removed and adhesive 44 is exposed, the participant inserts RFID tag assembly 24 in an upside-down orientation underneath laces 54 of his/her shoe. The participant then folds RFID tag assembly 24 first along fold line 37 and then along fold line 36 in the direction of arrow 56 to encircle laces 54 and secure the assembly with adhesive 44.

The participant then rotates RFID tag assembly 24 in the direction of arrow 58 or 60 so that the bowed portion 62 of the RFID tag assembly projects away from laces 54. Advantageously, in the preferred embodiment, the offset arrangement of the fold lines ensures that bowed portion 62, which houses the RFID tag, is less likely to be affected by the damp environment created by wet or sweaty shoes since the RFID tag is spaced away from the participant's body and/or shoes. In addition, the RFID tag is able to receive the antenna radio frequency and transmit data more efficiently in the bowed arrangement.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention with participant 64 running past antenna 66. FIG. 11 shows RFID tag assembly 24 secured to the participant's shoe as described infra and antenna 66 emitting a radio frequency which powers RFID tag assembly 24 and transmits the data encoded in the RFID tag back to the antenna.

FIG. 12 shows participant 64 wearing bib 20 with RFID tag assembly 24 secured to the bib. The RFID tag assembly operates in a fashion similar to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, with the exception of antenna 66 location. Since the RFID tag is located on the chest of the participant, antenna 66 must be elevated to ensure that the RFID tag receives the radio frequency emitted by the antenna.

Although the present invention has been described as secured through at least one lace, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention as claimed to be secured to any suitable portion of a participant, including but not limited to a shoe, bracelet, belt, wrist or ankle.

Having now described the structure and method of manufacturing the RFID tag assembly and the bib, a method of managing a race will be described in detail.

Participant 64 is assigned an identification number which corresponds to indicia 25 and the data encoded on RFID tag 28. First, RFID tag 28 is located between outer layer 30 and inner layer 32. Next, inner layer 32 is secured to synthetic material 34 and the synthetic material is releasably secured to bib 20 which has indicia 25 corresponding to the participant's identification number printed thereon. RFID tag 28 is then encoded with data corresponding to the participant's assigned identification number.

Prior to the race beginning, the participant removes the encoded RFID tag from the bib and encircles at least one lace by securing adhesive 44 to RFID tag assembly 24. The participant then rotates the RFID tag assembly in the direction of arrow 58 or 60 to project bowed portion 62 away from laces 54. Further, radio frequency emitting antennas 66 are disposed at multiple locations throughout the course, including but not limited to, the start line and the finish line.

After the race begins, the antennas are activated and as participant 64 passes antenna 66, the RFID tag 28 is powered by antenna 66 and participant's identification number encoded in the tag is transmitted back to the antenna and records the participant's start or stop time, as applicable. Further, a plurality of antennas may be disposed throughout the course to provide participant's with various sectional completion times.

Further, RFID tag 28 may include health information such as medications the participant is currently taking, allergies, blood type, and medical insurance carrier. If a participant were to be injured or pass out, a race coordinator or medic would be able to activate the RFID tag and obtain all of the necessary information to treat the participant without losing valuable time. However, in the preferred embodiment, RFID tag 28 would include a five-digit number that is related to or exactly corresponds to indicia printed on bib 20. This number would correspond to an electronic file in a data base to allow race managers to access a variety of information available about the race participant which may include, but is not limited to, medical information, necessary allergies and the like, as well as citizenship, telephone number, next of kin and address. However, a variety of information could be provided without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Accordingly, the RFID tag assembly is an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device that achieves all the enumerated objectives of the invention, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior art devices, systems, and methods, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles of the invention, the manner in which the RFID tag is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangement, parts, combinations, and methods are set forth in the appended claims. 

1. A race tag assembly comprising: a waterproof or water-resistant material; a tag having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side; and wherein the tag is embedded within the material such that the waterproof or water-resistant material covers all of the upper and lower surfaces, first and second ends, and first and second sides of the tag; said tag being adapted to be programmed with information and being adapted to transmit a signal to a remote receiver; a first adhesive region provided on the material, said first adhesive region being adapted to secure the tag to a race entry member; and a second adhesive region provided on the material; a protective layer disposed between a region of the first adhesive region and a region of the second adhesive region; said protective layer being removable to expose said second adhesive region to secure a first portion of the tag to a second portion of the tag after the tag has been removed from the race entry member after the tag has been programmed.
 2. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a race entry member adapted to be secured to an article of clothing worn by an athlete.
 3. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the race entry member comprises a bib that is securable to one of an athlete's shirt and pants.
 4. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 3, further comprising indicia provided on the bib to identify the athlete.
 5. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 4, further comprising programming provided in the tag, wherein the programming provided correlates with the indicia on the bib.
 6. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 3, further comprising a mounting film provided on an exterior surface of the bib; and wherein the first adhesive region of the tag is securable to the mounting film.
 7. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the tag is flexible.
 8. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the tag is an elongate, planar member.
 9. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein the material has an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the inner surface is engageable with the mounting film.
 10. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein the first adhesive region is provided on the inner surface of the material.
 11. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein the second adhesive region is provided on one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the tag.
 12. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein both of the first and second adhesive regions are provided on the inner surface of the tag.
 13. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the tag has a width and a length, where the length is greater than the width, and wherein the first adhesive region extends along substantially the entire length of the tag.
 14. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the tag is passive and is adapted to be activated by a source remote from the tag.
 15. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 14, wherein the tag is adapted to be activated by the remote receiver.
 16. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the tag is an RFID tag.
 17. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the tag is disposable after being attached to the article of clothing.
 18. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein that tag has a first end, a second end and a length that extends from the first end to the second end; and wherein the tag further includes: a first fold line positioned a spaced distance from the first end, said first fold line being oriented at right angles to the length of the tag; and a second fold line positioned a spaced distance from the first fold line and a spaced distance from the second end, said second fold line being oriented at right angles to the length of the tag.
 19. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein the second adhesive region is provided between the first fold line and the first end.
 20. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein the first adhesive region extends from substantially the first end to the second end of the tag; and wherein the tag further comprises a separator layer, and the separator layer extends longitudinally between the first and second adhesive regions, and wherein the second adhesive region extends from the first end of the tag to the first fold line.
 21. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein an RFID transmitter is disposed between the first and second fold lines.
 22. The race tag assembly as defined in claim 20, wherein the tag is folded about the first and second fold lines and the second adhesive region secures the first end of the tag to the second end thereof so that the tag forms a closed loop. 